Paul wrote:
> But something about the right to shout "fire!" in a crowded theatre?
That particular quote (usually attributed to a US Supreme Court Chief
Justice) happens to be an urban myth--it was never uttered in the court.
You _do_ have the right to shout "fire" in a crowded theater--from a free
speech perspective. What you do NOT have the right to do, however, is:
1. Disturb the peace--by shouting the word you infringe on the rights of
the other patrons to peacefully enjoy their chosen entertainment.
2. Endanger the lives and safety of the other patrons. By shouting "fire"
you encourage high risk behavior (a rush for the doors) which can result
in injury or death. If such an injury (or death) results, you can be held
liable for it. Again, this is NOT a free speech issue, it is a public
safety one.
Rick
--
Rick Adams
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College
Jackson, MI
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds will be the love
you leave behind when you're gone. --Fred Small, Everything Possible "
